[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VNxGXpur_Xk?hl=en&fs=1&w=425&h=349]

SEVERE WEATHER RISK: There is a slight risk of severe weather for today and tonight for a large portion of the state except the far southeastern counties. All modes of severe weather will be possible including tornadoes. However the threat will transition to a damaging wind threat. There is a possibility of heavy rain as well with amounts of 1-2″ possible over the next few days. Flash Flooding is not likely but some isolated small stream flooding is possible. There is also a slight risk of severe weather for Thursday and Thursday night across all but the northern tier of counties in the state. The main threats on Thursday look to be from large hail and damaging winds.

SUMMER HEAT: Temperatures for the next week will be slightly above seasonal averages for this time of year. Highs will generally range from the mid 80s to mid 90s across the state. Temperatures will cool into the 80s to near 90 this weekend and then begin to heat up again early next week. Lows will be in the upper 60s to mid 70s.

RAGBRAI: The Route today takes riders from Boone to Altoona. Any early riders shouldn’t have much of an issue outside an isolated shower or storm. The best chances of rainfall will come by the mid to late afternoon hours, likely after 2-3pm. Some of the storms may become severe and precautions should be taken if severe weather threatens Altoona. The same can be said again Thursday as well as the route heads east to Grinnell.